WAYLAND: David J. Kelley, Jr., 92, of Wayland; formerly of Waltham and Newton, died peacefully on Thursday, March 13, 2014 at Wayland Nursing and Rehab Center in Wayland. He was born in Somerville on July 30, 1921, the son of the late David J. Kelley, Sr. and Grace (Kennedy) Kelley. David was a long-time resident of Newton before moving to Wayland in 2006. He was a graduate of Somerville High School and spent two years at Boston College before joining the Navy. In the Navy he served as a GunnerC3; he served his country proudly and was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries suffered during the invasion of Normandy. While on shore leave in 1942, he courageously assisted in removing bodies from the Cocoanut Grove nightclub after the devastating fire there. He was employed by New England Telephone for 39 years, starting as a lineman and working his way up to foreman.
David is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Nancy (Claffey) Kelley. He was the devoted father of David J. Kelley, III of Natick; Maureen DeJong and her husband, William, of Wayland; Lorena Hart of Madbury, NH; Pamela Kelley of Natick; Kara Corley and her husband, Larry, of Medway; Jane Celli and her husband, Frank, of Medway; and Megan Kelley of Wayland. He was beloved “Budja” to Christene DeJong and her husband, Tim Zimmerman; Meg and Will DeJong; Caitlin and Bridget Hart; Liam and Caroline Corley; Shannon and Amanda Bosselman; and Daniella Celli. He was “Great Budja” to Autumn Zimmerman DeJong. Survived by his brothers Hon. Richard S. Kelley of Belmont and Dr. John Kelley of Jacksonville, FL and his sisters Grace Breslin of Newton and Margaret Wall of Concord. He was the brother of the late James Kelley of Concord, NH and Mary Kelley of Truro. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
David was a devoted husband and loving father, who loved large family gatherings, singing songs, reciting poems, and making people laugh. He was a devoted grandfather (“Budja”) to his many grandchildren and to his ‘grand dogs’, including Duncan, Johnny, Franny and Brandi.
Visitations will be held on Sunday, March 16, 2014 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the John C. Bryant Funeral Home, 56 Pemberton Road (Off Rte 30), Wayland.
Family and friends are requested to go directly to Good Shepherd Parish at St. Ann’s Church, 124 Cochituate Road (Rte 27), Wayland on Monday, March 17, 2014 at 11:00 am for his Mass of Christian Burial.
Interment in Newton Cemetery will be private for his family at a later date.
Donations may be made in David’s memory to The American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241.